The Pittsburgh Penguins are heading into the most important game of the season against the Detroit Red Wings.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are heading into the most important game of the season against the Detroit Red Wings.
PITTSBURGH – When the 2023-24 schedule was made, this late-season battle between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings likely wasn’t considered a marquee matchup. As fate would have it, however, this is arguably the biggest game of the year for either team.
The Penguins and Red Wings enter this game tied in standings points just outside the Eastern Conference’s second wild card spot. While this game will not ultimately decide the playoff fate of either team, it will carry a massive swing in reaching the postseason.
According to moneypuck.com, the Penguins enter the night with a 42.4% chance of making the playoffs, while the Red Wings have a 24.3% chance. The winner's odds will jump dramatically.
If the Penguins win, their odds will increase by 18.1% to 60.5%, pushing the Red Wings almost completely out of the race to 7.3%. If the Red Wings win, they will see a 19.6% jump to 44%, forcing the Penguins to drop to 17%.
The margin of movement between the team’s odds is much smaller if the game goes into overtime, but that second point will still be ultra-important.
These numbers also do not factor in the outcome of the Washington Capitals and Buffalo Sabres contest that takes place at the same time. The Capitals are currently holding down the second wild-card spot, and can separate themselves from the pack if they beat the recently eliminated Sabres.
Money Puck gives the Sabres the early edge, but if the Capitals win, their odds will jump from 43.3% to 63.1%.
It’s another massive night of hockey for the Penguins. Not only do they need to bring their a-game, but they need a little outside help to give them the right push.
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